Gold

VIEW:38 DATA:01-04-2020
GOLD.—See Mining and Metals.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909


Emblem of purity (Job_23:10), of nobility (Lam_4:1). Zaahaab, "yellow gold," as geld from gel, yellow. Sagur, "treasured gold " (1Ki_6:20). Paz, "native gold" (Job_28:17; Son_5:15). Betser, "gold earth," i.e. raw ore (Job_22:24). Kethem, figuratively (Job_37:22 margin) "golden splendor"; but Maurer literally, "gold is to be found in northern regions, but God cannot, be found out because of His majesty" (compare Job 28). Charuts, "dug out gold" (Pro_8:10).
It was not coined in ancient times, but is represented on Egyptian tombs as weighed out in the form of rings of fixed weight (Gen_43:21). Simon Maccabeus (1 Maccabees 15) was the first who coined Jewish money. Arabia, Sheba, and Ophir, Uphaz, and Parvaim (used for "gold" in Job_22:24), were the gold producing countries. It is no longer found in Arabia. The Asiatics have always possessed more gold in ornaments than in money.
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
By Andrew Robert Fausset, co-Author of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's 1888.


Gold. Gold was known from the very earliest times. Gen_2:11. It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. Gen_24:22. Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs, gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Compare Gen_43:21.
Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, 1Ch_22:14; 2Ch_1:15; 2Ch_9:9; Dan_3:1; Nah_2:9, but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by the wealthy in furniture, etc. 1Ki_6:22 10 passim; Est_1:6; Son_3:9-10; Jer_10:9. The chief countries mentioned as producing gold are Arabia, Sheba and Ophir. 1Ki_9:28; 1Ki_10:1; Job_28:16.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863


זהב , Gen_24:22, and very frequently in all other parts of the Old Testament; χρυσος, Mat_23:16-17, &c; the most perfect and valuable of the metals. In Job_28:15-19, gold is mentioned five times, and four of the words are different in the original:
1. סגור , which may mean “gold in the mine,” or “shut up,” as the root signifies, “in the ore,”
2. כתם , kethem, from כתם , catham, “to sign,” “seal,” or “stamp;”
gold made current by being coined; standard gold, exhibiting the stamp expressive of its value.
3. זהב , wrought gold, pure, highly polished gold.
4. פז , denoting solidity, compactness, and strength; probably gold formed into different kinds of plate, or vessels. Jerom, in his comment on Jer_10:9, writes “Septem dominibus apud Hebraeos appellatur aurum.” The seven names, which he does not mention, are as follows, and thus distinguished by the Hebrews:
1. Zahab, gold in general.
2. Zahab tob, good gold, of a more valuable kind, Gen_2:12.
3. Zahab Ophir, gold of Ophir, 1Ki_9:28, such as was brought by the navy of Solomon.
4. Zahab muphaz, solid gold, pure, wrought gold, translated, 1
Kings 1Ki_10:18, “the best gold.”
5. Zahab shachut, beaten gold, 2Ch_9:15.
6. Zahab segor, shut up gold; either as mentioned above, gold in the ore, or as the rabbins explain it, “gold shut up in the treasuries,” gold in bullion.
7. Zahab parvaim, 2Ch_3:6. To these Buxtorf adds three others:
1. כתם , pure gold of the circulating medium.
2. בצד , gold in the treasury.
3. חרצז , choice, fine gold. Arabia had formerly its golden mines. “The gold of Sheba,” Psa_72:15, is, in the Septuagint and Arabic versions, “the gold of Arabia.” Sheba was the ancient name of Arabia Felix.
Mr. Bruce, however, places it in Africa, at Azab. The gold of Ophir, so often mentioned, must be that which was procured in Arabia, on the coast of the Red Sea. We are assured by Sanchoniathon, as quoted by Eusebius, and by Herodotus, that the Phenicians carried on a considerable traffic with this gold even before the days of Job, who speaks of it, Psa_22:24.
Biblical and Theological Dictionary by Richard Watson
PRINTER 1849.


gōld (זהב, zāhābh; χρυσός, chrusós):
1. Terms
No metal has been more frequently mentioned in Old Testament writings than gold, and none has had more terms applied to it. Among these terms the one most used is zāhābȟ. The Arabic equivalent, dhahab, is still the common name for gold throughout Palestine, Syria and Egypt. With zāhābh frequently occur other words which, translated, mean ?pure? (Exo_25:11), ?refined? (1Ch_28:18), ?finest? (1Ki_10:18), ?beaten? (1Ki_10:17), ?Ophir? (Psa_45:9).
Other terms occurring are: פז, pāz, ?fine gold? (Job_28:17; Psa_19:10; Psa_21:3; Psa_119:127; Pro_8:19; Son_5:11, Son_5:15; Isa_13:12; Lam_4:2); חרוּץ, ḥārūc (Psa_68:13; Pro_3:14; Pro_8:10, Pro_8:19; Pro_16:16; Zec_9:3); כּתם, kethem, literally, ?carved out? (Job_28:16, Job_28:19; Job_31:24; Pro_25:12; Lam_4:1; Dan_10:5); סגור, ṣeghōr (1Ki_6:20; 1Ki_7:50; Job_28:15); בּצר, becer (in the King James Version only: Job_22:24; the Revised Version (British and American) ?treasure?).
2. Sources
Sources definitely mentioned in the Old Testament are: Havilah (Gen_2:11, Gen_2:12); Ophir (1Ki_9:28; 1Ki_10:11; 1Ki_22:48; 1Ch_29:4; 2Ch_8:18; 2Ch_9:10; Job_22:24; Job_28:16; Psa_45:9; Isa_13:12); Sheba (1Ki_10:2, 1Ki_10:10; 2Ch_9:1, 2Ch_9:9; Psa_72:15; Isa_60:6; Eze_27:22; Eze_38:13); Arabia (2Ch_9:14). We are not justified in locating any of these places too definitely. They probably all refer to some region of Arabia.
The late origin of the geological formation of Palestine and Syria precludes the possibility of gold being found in any quantities (see METALS), so that the large quantities of gold used by the children of Israel in constructing their holy places was not the product of mines in the country, but was from the spoil taken from the inhabitants of the land (Num_31:52), or brought with them from Egypt (Exo_3:22). This gold was probably mined in Egypt or India (possibly Arabia), and brought by the great caravan routes through Arabia to Syria, or by sea in the ships of Tyre (1Ki_10:11, 1Ki_10:22; Eze_27:21, Eze_27:22). There is no doubt about the Egyptian sources. The old workings in the gold-bearing veins of the Egyptian desert and the ruins of the buildings connected with the mining and refining of the precious metal still remain. This region is being reopened with the prospect of its becoming a source of part of the world's supply. It might be inferred from the extensive spoils in gold taken from the Midianites (?100,000 HDB, under the word) that their country (Northwestern Arabia) produced gold. It is more likely that the Midianites had, in turn, captured most of it from other weaker nations. The tradition that Northwestern Arabia is rich in gold still persists. Every year Moslem pilgrims, returning from Mecca by the Damascus route, bring with them specimens of what is supposed to be gold ore. They secure it from the Arabs at the stopping-places along the route. Samples analyzed by the writer have been iron pyrites only. No gold-bearing rock has yet appeared. Whether these specimens come from the mines mentioned by Burton (The Land of Midian Revisited) is a question.
3. Forms
Gold formed a part of every household treasure (Gen_13:2; Gen_24:35; Deu_8:13; Deu_17:17; Jos_22:8; Eze_28:4). It was probably treasured (a) in the form of nuggets (Job_28:6 the Revised Version, margin), (b) in regularly or irregularly shaped slabs or bars (Num_7:14, Num_7:20, Num_7:84, Num_7:86; Jos_7:21, Jos_7:24; 2Ki_5:5), and (c) in the form of dust (Job_28:6). A specimen of yellow dust, which the owner claimed to have taken from an ancient jar, unearthed in the vicinity of the Hauran, was once brought to the writer's laboratory. On examination it was found to contain iron pyrites and metallic gold in finely divided state. It was probably part of an ancient household treasure. A common practice was to make gold into jewelry with the dual purpose of ornamentation and of treasuring it. This custom still prevails, especially among the Moslems, who do not let out their money at interest. A poor woman will save her small coins until she has enough to buy a gold bracelet. This she will wear or put away against the day of need (compare Gen_24:22, Gen_24:53). It was weight and not beauty which was noted in the jewels (Exo_3:22; Exo_11:2; Exo_12:35). Gold coinage was unknown in the early Old Testament times.
4. Uses
(1) The use of gold as the most convenient way of treasuring wealth is mentioned above. (2) Jewelry took many forms: armlets (Num_31:50), bracelets (Gen_24:22), chains (Gen_41:42), crescents (Jdg_8:26), crowns (2Sa_12:30; 1Ch_20:2), earrings (Exo_32:2, Exo_32:3; Num_31:50; Jdg_8:24, Jdg_8:26), rings (Gen_24:22; Gen_41:42; Jam_2:2). (3) Making and decorating objects in connection with places of worship: In the description of the building of the ark and the tabernacle in Ex 25ff, we read of the lavish use of gold in overlaying wood and metals, and in shaping candlesticks, dishes, spoons, flagons, bowls, snuffers, curtain clasps, hooks, etc. (one estimate of the value of gold used is ?90,000; see HDB). In 1 Ki 6ff; 1 Ch 28 f; 2 Ch 1ff are records of still more extensive use of gold in building the temple. (4) Idols were made of gold (Exo_20:23; Exo_32:4; Deu_7:25; Deu_29:17; 1Ki_12:28; Psa_115:4; Psa_135:15; Isa_30:22; Rev_9:20). (5) Gold was used for lavish display. Among the fabulous luxuries of Solomon's court were his gold drinking-vessels (1Ki_10:21), a throne of ivory overlaid with gold (1Ki_10:18), and golden chariot trimmings (1Ch_28:18). Sacred treasure saved from votive offerings or portions dedicated from booty were principally gold (Exo_25:36; Num_7:14, Num_7:20, Num_7:84, Num_7:86; Num_31:50, Num_31:52, Num_31:54; Jos_6:19, Jos_6:24; 1Sa_6:8, 1Sa_6:11, 1Sa_6:15; 2Sa_8:11; 1Ch_18:7, 1Ch_18:10, 1Ch_18:11; 1Ch_22:14, 1Ch_22:16; Mat_23:17). This treasure was the spoil most sought after by the enemy. It was paid to them as tribute (1Ki_15:15; 2Ki_12:18; 2Ki_14:14; 2Ki_16:8; 2Ki_18:14-16; 2Ki_23:33, 2Ki_23:15), or taken as plunder (2Ki_24:13; 2Ki_25:15).
5. Figurative
Gold is used to symbolize earthly riches (Job_3:15; Job_22:24; Isa_2:7; Mat_10:9; Act_3:6; Act_20:33; Rev_18:12). Finer than gold, which, physically speaking, is considered non-perishable, typifies incorruptibility (Act_17:29; 1Pe_1:7, 1Pe_1:18; 1Pe_3:3; Jam_5:3). Refining of gold is a figure for great purity or a test of (Job_23:10; Pro_17:3; Isa_1:25; Mal_3:2; 1Pe_1:7; Rev_3:18). Gold was the most valuable of metals. It stood for anything of great value (Pro_3:14; Pro_8:10, Pro_8:19; Pro_16:16, Pro_16:22; Pro_25:12), hence was most worthy for use in worshipping Yahweh (Ex 25ff; Rev_1:12, Rev_1:13, Rev_1:10, etc.), and the adornment of angels (Rev_15:6) or saints (Psa_45:13). The head was called golden as being the most precious part of the body (Son_5:11; Dan_2:38; compare ?the golden bowl,? Ecc_12:6). ?The golden city? meant Babylon (Isa_14:4), as did also ?the golden cup,? sensuality (Jer_51:7). A crown of gold was synonymous with royal honor (Est_2:17; Est_6:8; Job_19:9; Rev_4:4; Rev_14:14). Wearing of gold typified lavish adornment and worldly luxury (Jer_4:30; Jer_10:4; 1Ti_2:9; 1Pe_3:3; Rev_17:4). Comparing men to gold suggested their nobility (Lam_4:1, Lam_4:2; 2Ti_2:20).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.


Gold was known and valued in very early times. Abraham was rich in gold (Gen_13:2; Gen_24:35); and female ornaments were made of gold (Gen_24:22).
To judge from 1Ch_22:14; 1Ch_29:4, the Jews must have been, in their prosperous days, in possession of enormous quantities of this metal, considering the many tons of gold that were spent in the building of the temple alone, though the expression, plenteous as stones (2Ch_1:15), may be considered as hyperbolical. It is, however, confirmed by the history of the other Asiatic nations, and more especially of the Persians, that the period referred to really abounded in gold, which was imported in vast masses from Africa and the Indies. The queen of Sheba brought with her (from Arabia Felix), among other presents, 120 talents of gold (2Ch_9:9).
The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
by John Kitto.


Gold
(Gr. χρυσός or χρυσίον, the last being prob. a diminutive of the former and more general term, and therefore expressing gold in a small piece or quantity, especially as wrought, e.g. a golden ornament, 1Pe_3:3; Rev_17:4; [18:16;] or gold coin, Act_3:6; Act_20:33; 1Pe_1:18; but also used of the metal generally Heb_9:4; 1Pe_1:7; Rev_3:18; Rev_21:18; Rev_21:21), the most valuable of metals, from its color, lustre, weight, ductility, and other useful properties (Pliny, H.N. 33:19). As it is only procured in small quantities, its value is less liable to change than that of other metals, and this, with its other qualities, has in all ages rendered it peculiarly available for coin. There are six Hebrew words used to denote it, and four of them occur in Job_28:15-17. These are:
1. זָהָב, zahab', the common name, connected with צֶהִבtsahab' (to be yellow), as Germ. geld, from gelb, yellow. Various epithets are applied to it, as "fine" (2Ch_3:5), "refined" (1Ch_28:18), "pure" (Exo_25:11). In opposition to these, "beaten gold" (שָׁחוּט ז8) is probably mixed gold; Sept. ἐλατός; used of Solomon's shields (1Ki_10:16). In Job_37:22 it is rendered in the A.V. "fair weather;" Sept. νέφη χρυσαυγοῦντα (comp. Zec_4:12). The corresponding Chald. word is דְּהִב, dehab' (Dan_2:32; Dan_3:1; Dan_3:5; Dan_3:7).
2. סְגוֹר, segor' (Job_28:15), elsewhere as an epithet, סָגוּר, sagur' (Sept. κειμέλιον, either from its compactness, or as being inclosed or treasured, i.e. fine gold (1Ki_6:20; 1Ki_7:49, etc.). Many names of precious substances in Hebrew come from roots signifying concealment, as מִטְמוֹן(Gen_43:23, A.V. "treasure").
3. פָּז, paz', pure or native gold (Job_28:17; Psalm 19:10; 20:3; 110:127; Pro_8:19; Son_5:11; Son_5:15; Isa_13:12; Lam_4:2; invariably "fine" once "pure"] gold), probably from פָּזִז, paza', to separate. Rosenmüller (Alterthumsk. 4:49) makes it come from a Syriac root meaning solid or massy; but טָהוֹר(2Ch_9:17) corresponds to מוּפָז(1Ki_10:18). The Sept. render it by λίθος τιμιος, χρύσίον ἄπυρον (Isa_13:12; Theodot. ἄπεφθον ; comp. Thuc. 2:13; Pliny, 33:19, obrussa). In Psa_119:127, the Sept. render it τοπάζιον (A.V. "fine gold"); but Schleusner happily conjectures τό πάζιον, the Hebrew word being adopted to avoid the repetition of χρυσὀς (Thes. s.v. τόπαζ ; Hesych. s.v. πάζιον).
4. בְּצָר, betsar' (Job_36:19, fig. of riches), or בֶּצֶד, be'tser, gold earth, or a mass of raw ore (Job_22:24; Sept. ἄπυρον; A.V. "gold as dust").
The poetical names for gold are:
5. כֶּתֶם, ke'them (also implying something concealed or separated, Job_28:16; Job_28:19; Job_31:24; Psa_45:9; Pro_25:12; Son_5:11; Lam_4:1; Dan_10:5; Sept. χρυσίον; and in Isa_13:12 λιθος πολυτέλης).
6. חָרוּוֹ, charuts'="dug out" (Pro_8:10; Pro_8:18), a general name (Pro_3:14; Pro_16:16; Zec_9:3) which has become special (Psa_68:13, where it cannot mean gems, as some suppose, Bochart, Hieroz. 2:9). Michaelis connects the word with the Greek χρυσός.
Gold was known from the very earliest times (Gen_2:11). Pliny attributes the discovery of it (at Mount Pangaeus), and the art of working it to Cadmus (H.V. 7:57); and his statement is adopted by Clemens Alexandrinus (Stromat. 1:363, ed. Pott.). It was at first chiefly used for ornaments, etc. (Gen_24:22); and although Abraham is said to have been "very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold" (Gen_13:2), yet no mention of it, as used in purchases, is made till after his return from Egypt. Coined money was not known to the ancients (e.g. Homer, Il. 7:473) till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes (comp. Gen_43:21). No coins are found in the ruins of Egypt or Assyria (Layard's Nin. 2:418). "Even so late as the time of David gold was not used as a standard of value, but was considered merely as a very precious article of commerce, and was weighed like other articles" (Jahn, Bibl. Arch. § 115; comp. 1Ch_21:25).
Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times (1Ch_22:14; Nah_2:9; Dan_3:1); but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by the wealthy in furniture, etc. (1Ki_6:22; x, passim; Son_3:9-10; Est_1:6; Jer_10:9; comp. Homer, Od. 19:55; Herod. 9:82). Probably, too, the art of gilding was known extensively, being applied even to the battlements of a city (Herod. 1:98; and other authorities quoted by Layard, 2:264). Many tons of gold were spent in the building of the Temple alone, though the expression plenteous as stones (2Ch_1:15) may be considered as hyperbolical. It is, however, confirmed by the history of the other Asiatic nations, and more especially of the Persians, that the period referred to really abounded in gold, which was imported in vast masses from Africa and the Indies (Heeren, Ideen, 1:1, 37 sq.). The queen of Sheba brought with her (from Arabia Felix) among other presents, 120 talents of gold (2Ch_9:9).
The chief countries mentioned as producing gold are Arabia, Sheba, and Ophir (1Ki_9:28; 1Ki_10:1; Job_28:16; in Job_22:24 the word Ophir is used for gold). Gold is not found in Arabia now (Niebuhr's Travels, page 141), but it used to be (Artemidor. ap. Strabo, 16:3, 18, where he speaks of an Arabian river ψῆγμα χρυσοῦ καταφέρων). Diodorus also says that it was found there native (ἄπυρον) in good-sized nuggets (βωλάρια). Some suppose that Ophir was an Arabian port to which gold was brought (compare 2Ch_2:7; 2Ch_9:10). Other gold- bearing countries were Uphaz (Jer_10:9; Dan_10:5), Parvaim (2Ch_3:6), and (at least primevally) Havilah (Gen_2:11). No traveler in Palestine makes any mention of gold except Dr. Edward D. Clarke. At the lake of Tiberias, he observes, "Native gold was found here formerly. We noticed an appearance of this kind, but, on account of its trivial nature, neglected to pay proper attention to it, notwithstanding the hints given by more than one writer upon the subject." However, for every practical purpose, it may be said that Palestine has no gold. It is always spoken of by the Jewish writers as a foreign product. As gold was very common, relatively, in Egypt at a very early date, much of that in the hands of the early Hebrews was probably obtained thence (Exo_12:33; Exo_32:2; Exo_32:4; Exo_38:24).
Metallurgic processes are mentioned in Psa_66:10; Pro_17:3; Pro_27:21; and in Isa_46:6 the trade of goldsmith (compare Jdg_17:4, צֹרֵ) is alluded to in connection with the overlaying of idols with gold-leaf (Rosenmüller's Minerals of Scripture, pages 46-51). SEE GOLDSMITH.
Gold, in the Scriptures, is the symbol of great value, duration, incorruptibility, and strength (Isa_13:12; Lam_4:2; 2Ti_2:20; Pro_18:11; Job_36:19). In Dan_2:38, the Babylonian empire is a "head of gold," so called on account of its great riches; and Babylon was called by Isaiah, as in our version, "the golden city" (Isa_14:4), but more properly "the exactress of gold." In Ecc_12:6, some explain the expression "or the golden bowl be broken" of the human head or skull, which resembles a bowl in form. In Rev_4:4, "the elders," and Rev_9:7, "the locusts, had on their heads crowns of gold." In the costume of the East, a linen turban with a gold ornament was reckoned a crown of gold, and is so called in the language of Scripture (Lev_8:9). Gold denotes spiritually the redeeming merits of Christ (Rev_3:18 : "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayst be rich"), though others interpret it of being rich in good works before God. In 1Co_3:12, it seems to denote sincere believers, built, into the Christian Church, who will stand the fiery trial. SEE METAL.

CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.





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